WASHINGTON, D.C. — West Michigan Reps. Justin Amash and Bill Huizenga joined a majority of Republican colleagues in agreeing to authorize a lawsuit against President Barack Obama.

The measure, which passed the U.S. House by a 225-201 vote, gives Speaker John Boehner the authority to sue the president. They argue Obama's executive orders toward the Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare," and other policy matters are unconstitutional.

Huizenga called the administration "frustrating" shortly after the bill passed.

"(It's) just baffling to me when (colleagues) are willing to hand over their constitutional duty to the administration, whether it's the IRS, the Fed, immigration, you name it," Huizenga said. "Sorry, Mr. President, this is not your territory, this is legislative territory and we disagree with it."

Two hours prior to the vote, Amash said he was unsure whether he'd vote in favor of the measure. The congressman asserts Boehner hasn't used Congress' power of the purse to its fullest potential, and he's been reluctant to pursue other alternatives.

"I think lawsuits make it seem like we're powerless from doing anything when Republicans are in control of the House," Amash told the Grand Rapids Press editorial board last week.

Still, he voted to give leaders the ability to sue Obama.

Amash's spokesman, Will Adams, said this wasn't the congressman's preferred method to hold the president accountable, but it is valid.

Andrew Krietz covers breaking, politics and transportation news for MLive | The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at akrietz@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.